Words in the Original Bible Languages that Mean Prayer and Praying

There are numerous ways to pray, and examining the words for "prayer" and "praying" in the original Bible languages helps some people add biblical diversity to the ways they pray.

Hebrew Words for Prayer

There are many words in the Hebrew language that are used for "communicating with God," that is, for prayer. All the Hebrew words in the following table are sometimes translated as “prayer” in an English-language Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Click on the "Download" link below to see the table.

Greek Words for Prayer

In English, the root meaning of “prayer” is to depend on someone else; it has the same root as the word “precarious.” All the Greek words in the following table are sometimes translated as “prayer” in an English-language New Testament. Click on the "Download" link below to see the table.